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PR MILEAGE FOR NEW CARS

Release Date: 10/03/94
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PR MILEAGE FOR NEW CARS

EMBARGOED UNTIL l2:0l A.M., MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, l994

EPA LISTS MILEAGE ESTIMATES FOR NEW CARS

Fuel economy estimates for the l995 model-year vehicles

published today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rank

the 2375-pound subcompact Honda Civic HB VX as the most fuel

efficient car at 47 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and

56 mpg on the highway.

Also included in the agency's list of high mileage cars is the new Ford Aspire and various models of the Geo Metro, Suzuki Swift, and Honda Civic. The top-l0 fuel economy estimates range from 47 mpg city/56 mpg highway to 35 mpg city/4l highway. All models in this category are subcompacts with the exception of the Honda Civic Del Sol, which is a two-seater.

The Lamborghini DB l32/Diablo has the lowest mileage rating of all vehicle classes with nine city and l4 highway mpg.

EPA said there is a large variation in fuel economy available within each class of comparable vehicles. Choosing the highest fuel economy vehicle in a category over the lowest competitive model's fuel economy in the same class can save over $l000 in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle. Consumers also can use the l995 Fuel Economy Guide to comparison shop for the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their needs. The Guide will be available free at all new car dealerships later this fall.

Passenger cars and light trucks account for about 40 percent of U.S. petroleum consumption. Conservation-conscious driving techniques and proper vehicle maintenance will optimize vehicle performance and improve fuel economy for both old and new vehicles. (A list of driving tips to conserve fuel is attached.)

Fuel economy estimates are generated in conjunction with EPA's vehicle emission testing program. Pre-production vehicles are tested under controlled laboratory conditions, for both emissions and fuel economy. EPA has reported fuel economy comparisons since l974.

Fuel economy estimates also appear on window stickers of all new cars prior to sale. The label also includes information regarding the gas guzzler tax that must be paid for certain vehicles.

(The complete Fuel Economy Guide is available electronically on the Mobile Source Bulletin Board at 3l3-668-4590.)

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